Apache OpenOffice's suite of productivity tools includes free replacements for virtually any Office program, but it might not be configured as the default. Changing the Windows 8 defaults resolves this issue. Once changed, opening any compatible document, spreadsheet or presentation automatically launches the appropriate OpenOffice application.

Making OpenOffice the Default

You can access the program defaults by typing "Default Programs" while viewing the Start screen or after selecting the Search charm, selecting "Default Programs" and choosing "Set Your Default Programs." Clicking "OpenOffice [#]" gives you two options: "Set This Program as Default" configures OpenOffice as the default for all compatible file types and "Choose Default for This Program" lets you selectively configure OpenOffice for individual file types such as DOCX, XLSX, ODT and PPTX.